Albany Convoy Commemorative Event 31 October - 2 November, 2014

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The Albany Convoy Commemorative Event (ACCE) took place in 2014, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the departure of the first convoy of ships that carried the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) to the First World War.

In October 1914 Albany in Western Australia was the gathering point for most of the ships carrying the AIF and NZEF, later to become collectively known as the ‘Anzacs’.

The official commemorative activities held in Albany in 2014 included a Royal Australian Navy Ceremonial Sunset, a Troop March, a Commemorative Service, the opening of the National Anzac Centre, and a Ship Open Day.

The weekend activities were not only a fitting tribute to those who departed Albany for the First World war a century ago, but a poignant reminder to pause, reflect and commemorate all those who have served since. The weekend events were a fitting ‘curtain raiser’ to the Anzac Centenary period.

A painting of the first convoy to leave Australia. The British cruiser HMS Minotaur is in the foreground. (Charles Bryant, First convoy at sea, 1920, oil on canvas, 122.5 cm x 275.3 cm, AWM ART00190)